CONTINUITIES USED AS WEAPONS AGAINST MASS MERCHANTS, DISCOUNTERS

Retailers are using dishware, bakeware, music and other continuities to keep sales from going to mass merchandisers and discount stores, retailers report. "Not only do [continuities] build traffic, they also offer our regular shoppers another reason to come to us," said Jay Madden, vice president of Carl's Grocery, Mission, Texas. Some campaigns have been so successful that several chains recently

Retailers are using dishware, bakeware, music and other continuities to keep sales from going to mass merchandisers and discount stores, retailers report. "Not only do [continuities] build traffic, they also offer our regular shoppers another reason to come to us," said Jay Madden, vice president of Carl's Grocery, Mission, Texas. Some campaigns have been so successful that several chains recently sold out of certain pieces. This prompted stores to reorder to keep shelves stocked.